Top 10 Children's Books for Holiday Gifts

Do you need a last minute gift for a child in your life? Here's some help.

1. Alvin Ho Book 4: Allergic to Dead Bodies, Funerals, and Other Fatal Circumstances by Lenore Look (appropriate for grades 2 through 4) 2. Gossie and Gertie by Olivier Dunrea (appropriate for preschool through kindergarten) 3. The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place Book II: The Hidden Gallery by Maryrose Wood and Jon Klassen (appropriate for grades 3 and up) 4. Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan (appropriate for preteens and teens) 5. Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton (appropriate for preschool and up) 6. Jumpy Jack & Googily by Meg Rosoff (appropriate for preschool and up) 7. Vordak the Incomprehensible: How to Grow Up and Rule the World by Scott Seegert (grade 4, age 9 and up) 8. The Fourth Stall by Chris Rylander (appropriate for grade 3, age 8 …

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Josh Gray

12:45 pm on Wednesday, December 21, 2011

I've added age and grade recommendations. That should help. Thanks for the suggestion.   more ›

Marlborough Super Announces Gift Giving Guidelines for Classrooms

The public school system is subject to Massachusetts conflict of interest laws in relation to teachers accepting gifts in the classroom.

The office of Marlborough's superintendent of schools Dr. Anthony Pope issued a statement Monday offering state guidelines in relationship to giving teachers gifts.  Dear Members of the Marlborough Community, This past year the State Ethics Commission approved amendments to the regulations under the state’s conflicts of interest law. It is important to let you know about these amendments and how they affect gift-giving to school staff members. Teachers and other school members are subject to the laws and regulations regarding conflict of interest and state ethics. Since the statute and Ethics Committee regulations are now in effect and are being enforced, we want to make sure we are fully complying with the rules. These conflict of …

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What's Your Favorite Holiday Tradition?

Every family has their own set of traditions, we want to know what yours are.

Christmas day, much like other holidays, is a day to spend with your family. That doesn’t mean everyone does it the same. Every year on Christmas Eve my extended family and friends gets together for a meal, drinks and good time with those I love.  Christmas day is spent relaxing and opening gifts from one another, and by the end of the day we usually end up napping in front of the TV or on our way to a newly-released Christmas blockbuster at Regal Cinemas here in Marlborough. What’s your family’s favorite tradition? Share it with us in the comments. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date on the latest Marlborough news, or simply hit the "like" button at the top of this page.

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Catherine Downey Potenza

10:09 am on Tuesday, December 13, 2011

My favorite holiday tradition/activity is the crazy Christmas Eve present wrapping session that goes on at our house. I always procrastinate and end up wrapping almost all of my gifts last minute. With Christmas music playing I wrap like a mad woman and revel in the chaos. It's like a preview to Christmas morning and I can't wait to see the kids faces the next day when they see all the gifts!   more ›

Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 9

There is a lot going on in Marlborough this weekend; make sure you read 5 Things explore these community activities for yourself.

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations. 1. The Foundation for MetroWest announced Thursday that Assabet Valley Collaborative and Employment Options are the recipients of grants totaling $20,000 ($10,000 each) as part of their 2011 grant cycle. The award was made today at an event held at Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary in Natick where a total of $162,000 was distributed to organizations throughout the region. 2. The Marlborough Historical Society will present "Christmas at the Farm" Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Peter Rice Homestead, 377 Elm St., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will enjoy a "magical, …

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Patch Facts

Top 5 Holiday Concerts and Performances

There are many different instruments and voices nearby bringing you sounds of the season.

1. String and Jazz Holiday Music at Solomon Pond Mall: One of the many local, community musical groups at the Mall this holiday season. Marlborough High School  students will perform familiar string and jazz holiday pieces on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Solomon Pond Mall to entertain you while you shop. This is a free event. 2. Interboro Band Holiday Concert: This band of 50 musicians from Marlborough, Northborough, Southborough, Westborough and other communities consists of people of all ages from teens to seniors! Come hear their holiday program on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Trottier School, 49 Parkerville Rd., Southborough. There is no admission charge, but donations are appreciated! 3. Immaculate Conception Church…

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VIDEO: Marlborough Comes 'Home for the Holidays'

The Marlborough community along with city leaders came together Friday evening for the annual lighting of the tree.

Union Common hosted hundreds of residents, students and city leaders Friday evening in observance of the annual "Home for the Holidays" event.  Outgoing mayor Nancy Stevens led the event, while the Marlborough High School jazz ensemble led the crowd in the singing of seasonal favorites.  WMCT was on hand to capture the event. Enjoy their video! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date on the latest Marlborough news, or simply hit the "like" button at the top of this page.

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Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: Nov. 21

Marlborough's postmaster will be at a press conference this morning with Mayor Nancy Stevens to talk about the city's upcoming holiday season plans.

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations. 1. Mayor Nancy Stevens' office, in partnership with the Marlborough Human Services Department, will be holding a voluntary “Heat and Eat” toll road collection in support of the Mayor’s Charity Relief Fund this morning between the hours of 7 and 9 a.m. at the intersections of Route 20/Granger Boulevard and Route 85/Main Street. The event is a way to help raise fuel assistance funds for Marlborough residents experiencing financial hardships.  2. Marlborough's overnight parking ban goes into effect on Dec. 1, 2011 and will continue through March 15, 2012. During that …

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United Way to Support Marlborough's Holiday Helper Program

Parents must register for gifts by Friday, Nov. 18.

The city of Marlborough and the United Way of Tri-County announced earlier this week that the Holiday Helper program will go on helping Marlborough families this holiday season, despite the city being unable to coordinate the program due to budget concerns.  As such, the program will continue under the auspices of the United Way's Metrowest program Hope for the Holidays. Both programs focus on supplying gifts, clothing and food for thousands of children and families in the immediate area.  “The City of Marlborough has put so much love and care into the program in years past, but we had to be mindful of the added strain to city resources and staff time," said Mayor Nancy Stevens. "We are so happy that the program will continue in a new way …

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